Call Now
505.900.0000
While sexual assault is a criminal act, you can also file a Lyft or Uber sexual assault lawsuit to get financial compensation for your losses. You should explore your legal options with the help of a Lyft sexual assault lawyer from Begum & Cowen, The Law Giant. Call us today at 505-900-0000 for a free consultation.
“Great group of people to work with—very efficient and professional. Alex has put together a great Team!”
Sexual assaults in rideshares are a serious issue that has garnered significant attention in recent years. While the exact number of cases is difficult to determine due to underreporting and varying definitions of sexual assault, available data suggests that these incidents occur more frequently than many people realize.
‘People who ride in Ubers and Lyfts are in danger of experiencing many different types of sexual assault, including:
Sexual assault statistics are often reported by rideshare companies long after the dates when the incidents occurred. This is because the companies take a considerable amount of time to investigate each incident before adding it to their statistics.
According to a New York Times article, Uber reported that in 2019 and 2020, there were 3,824 sexual assaults reported in the United States. Despite ridership decline in 2020, the company reported 141 rapes (non-consensual sexual penetration) and 998 sexual assaults (described as types of sexual assault other than non-consensual sexual penetration) in 2020, which was a decrease from previous years.
Uber committed to releasing a report on sexual assault every two years; however, recent reports have been delayed due to the pandemic.
In its first-ever safety report, Lyft disclosed that it received 4,158 reports of sexual assault in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Approximately 360 reports indicated rapes occurred in Lyfts.
If you have been sexually assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver, it is important to report the incident to the company as soon as possible. Both Uber and Lyft have dedicated reporting procedures in place to handle these types of incidents.
You can report an incident to Uber by calling their customer support line at 1-800-829-9922. You may also report sexual assault by a driver in the Uber app with the following steps:
You can report an incident to Lyft by calling their customer support line at 1-855-833-5938. You may also report sexual assault by a driver in the Lyft app with the following steps:
In addition to reporting the incident to the rideshare company, you should also report it to the police. This will help to ensure that the driver is held accountable for their actions.
of sexually assaulted women experienced PTSD after their attack.
Uber and Lyft have taken several steps to address the issue of sexual assaults.
Both Uber and Lyft have implemented more stringent background checks for drivers, including multi-state criminal checks and social security number verifications.
The rideshare companies have introduced several in-app safety features, such as ridesharing, emergency buttons, and real-time GPS tracking. These features allow riders to share their ride information with trusted contacts, alert the company or authorities in case of danger, and track their ride progress.
Uber and Lyft have partnered with organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and NSVRC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center) to provide training and resources for drivers and employees on identifying and responding to sexual assault.
In 2021, Uber and Lyft launched the Industry Sharing Safety Program, a collaborative initiative to share information about drivers who have been deactivated for serious safety incidents, including sexual assaults. This program aims to prevent these individuals from operating on other rideshare platforms.
Here are some tips for staying safe from sexual assault in an Uber or Lyft:
Uber sexual assault cases may move forward through both criminal and civil courts.
A sexual assault or rape is a crime, and you can testify against the person who harmed you. However, you can also sue the driver or rideshare company in civil court to get compensation for your losses. You may be able to get money for:
You should discuss your legal options with an Uber sexual assault lawyer who knows how to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible.
A Lyft sexual assault lawyer from Begum & Cowen can play a crucial role in helping a victim of sexual assault navigate the legal system and seek justice.
Sexual assault is a traumatic experience, and victims often feel overwhelmed, confused, and afraid. An attorney can provide a safe and supportive space for you to share your experiences and get the emotional support you need.
The legal system can be complex and intimidating, especially for victims of sexual assault. An attorney can explain the different legal options available to you, such as reporting the assault to the police, filing a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator, or seeking victim compensation benefits.
An attorney can handle various legal tasks on behalf of the victim, such as filing police reports, obtaining restraining orders, gathering evidence, and communicating with law enforcement and prosecutors.
If you decide to pursue criminal charges against the perpetrator, we can represent you in court proceedings, ensuring your rights are protected and presenting evidence to support the prosecution’s case.
If you choose to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator, The Law Giant can negotiate a settlement on your behalf, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.
We can connect you with additional resources, such as counseling, support groups, and financial assistance programs, to help you cope with the emotional and psychological effects of sexual assault.